Wheeler, Matthews Out as Phillies Commentators

As a new TV contract takes hold for the Phillies, a new broadcast team will be unveiled this season. The Phillies announced that both Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews will be taken out of the broadcast booth, but will remain with the organization.

The Phillies sent out this release:

”As the longest-tenured member of the Phillies broadcasting team, Chris Wheeler will return to his club roots after stepping down from his role as a Phillies broadcaster. With 37 years of broadcasting experience, combined with his front office background where he began his Phillies career, ‘Wheels’ will take on a new role allowing the organization to continue to benefit from his knowledge, experience and dedication to the game. Additionally, Gary Matthews will continue to work with the Phillies bringing his exceptional background as a major league ballplayer, broadcaster and commentator to new roles at the Phillies.”

Wheeler had this to say:

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Phillies broadcast team for 37 years. I certainly respect the decision that was made and I look forward to my new role in the Phillies organization.”

From the outside looking in, Wheeler caught quite a bit of crap from the average fan (especially on twitter), but was one of the most game-ready broadcasters I’ve ever come across. He was smart, clearly knew the game, and was prepared.

Sarge was a pseudo-fan fave, although it was clear the multi-man booth, with interchangeable parts, was not part of the future.

There has been no indication of who will take over, but Todd Zolecki of MLB.com says they’ll look for just one person to fill the vacancy. Some names of the cuff: Ricky Bottalico, Doug Glanville, Ben Davis, Dan Plesac, Jeff Brantley. Who would you go with?

Craig my son called me from work to tell me of my biggest wish! (Wheeler gone) Made my day man. I kinda liked Sarge though ,I thought he was funny. But I’ll take it. Now in reply to your comment. He was my first thought.

Pie Traynor might be good. Who says a local connection’s so necessary?

If that couldn’t be arranged, I’ll take 1 of the other 15 imbiciles tht left Maddux off the4 ballot. Be easier to find their ass on tv to voice my lack of respect. 16 idiots.

But kidding aside, and I’m deadly serious, here’s what I would definitely do. I’d audition Corey Seidman for the job. Have he and McCarthy test their rapport, and Corey’s ability to be comfty and productive in the analyst role. He knows the game, knows the team. Seems to have fast track star attached to his name since I became aware of him a couple years back. CSN seems to like him. So he’s fit enough to warrant serious consideration for the position. So I don’t say hire him just yet, but take him through an audition and a no joke thought process. Youth in the booth as opposed to the same old same old, which is ESSENTIALLY what the usual guys would bring is not something this club needs. And while he needn’t reinvent the analyst wheel, I’m sure a whole bunch of people across the game and nation would listen, and assuming good results, it’d be a feather in the Phils cap.

How can anyone be sad wheels is gone he somewhat knew the game but often pointed out the obvious he was often wrong often went off on unwanted tagents he was terrible Harry the K hated him and so did i. this is the best news about the phils in a couple years. I know no one hat liked wheels therefore See ya!

I am glad Wheels is leaving the booth, drove both me and my husband nuts. I liked Sarge though, thought he was funny. But whoever it is can’t be as bad as Wheels. Been waiting for this for a long time…

You’re right! I feel kind of sad…wheels was the only connection left to Harry and Whitey. As for when Wheels was on in the 80s….I had to laugh because you hit the nail on the head!! Always knew either Harry or Whitey had the inning off when you heard Wheels’ voice!!

They should have dumped Wheels 30 years ago. He may be knowledgeable, but he sucks as a broadcaster. And Scott Murray has it right…bring back Scott Graham. He’s fill Harry’s shoes better than anyone we’ve got now.

Anyone that has anything negative to say about wheels is flat wrong. Having worked with him for 10 years I can tell you there wasn’t a classier guy in all of baseball. Never ever ever had his head in the clouds. Always went out of his way for fans. Always made time for anyone that needed him. On air, he was rock solid. He prepared more than any broadcaster I have ever seen. Glad he’s staying with the club but very sad to not hear his voice on air anymore. Wheels was a wonderful person and friend.

wow, big surprise to me. i found them both very annoying . mostly because they never shut up. wheels was very knowledgeable , i give him, that. and HK did hate him. have to agree with chris c ,larry anderson is just great. anyone besides larry is a mistake !

Wheeler knew the game but he was the most annoying man in the booth. The other pom pom guy T mac should go also. I like the idea a few posted Glanville, HK’s son. I like LA and Franske also but Franske was on 94.1 and said he’s happy on the radio. I wouldn’t mind Mitchy Poo either, or for that matter Ricki Bo or Big Ben. Hell my grandmother knew baseball I’d take her over the pom pom girls anyday! She’s been deseased for over 20 yrs. I don’t mind a little hominess but I like people who will tell it like it is too. All of the above fit that mold.

Personally, I kinda liked Wheels and I don’t have strong feelings for Sarge either way, but I guess change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

I’m OK with most of the names already mentioned and I really think Mitch Williams would be a great choice for the job. But, would he do it? I don’t know what the financials are, but it seems like he has a pretty good gig at MLB Network; I’m not sure if he would want to leave.

Regardless of who they get to pair with Tom McCarthy, I would like to see more of Scot Franzke and Larry Anderson. Move them from the radio booth for the middle innings, and McCarthy / new commentator to the radio booth. I think they did this type of announcer rotation back in the days of Harry and Whitey, and it seemed to work pretty well.

If you want someone young and from the area and on the way up, check out Dave Lenohttp://daveleno.com/
Great kid and very knowledeable!! He’d be a real asset! Move Murph into the booth and have Dave take his place on the field!

Murphy was given a job because of CSN…….he never worked a day in the minors or has any big league experience. He will be the first one to tell you: He is extremely lucky to have the job he has……no way could he handle the PBP duties. No experience at that at all!

the difference between HK,and wheels. HK goes on and on about my brother catching this ball. and wheels gets back to the game. HK was loved, super super nice guy, never to busy for an autograph. whitey was tops in my book also. miss those guys !https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC4RZpZe8Sk

Can they have LA and Franzke on both radio and TV? TMac is awful–worse than both Wheels and Sarge–has so little understanding of the game, its rhythm. It won’t matter who goes in the booth with him. It will be another year of turning down the tv and syncing the radio. Ack.

Hey, he was a good company man and knew a lot about baseball. But he was drab and nerdy and the fact the he never played the game, yet tried to explain it to everyone, always irked me. He had a good run but the booth will have a much better vibe without him. Fair thee well, Wheels. And I want Ricky Bo for sure. Ben Davis? Wha?

BTW, why Jack Morris continues to be left out of the Hall really blows my mind. All he did was win more games in the 90’s than anyone AND have one of the best World Series career, with three different teams. The high ERA kills him but shouldn’t.

I liked Chris Wheeler because although he could be annoying and cheerleader-like, he conducted himself with class. I could tell he had a true appreciation and love for the game. I would choose Ricky Bo to replace him. He has a lot of heart, and he tells it like it is. I like hearing his opinion about players and situations, because he is usually spot-on. I’m not sure about play-by-play, but he would be a superb commentator.

The organization would never take the chance with LA on TV, too much of a loose cannon. I can tell you though I was glad it wasn’t him, I find him and Scott to be amusing especially when the games get rough. Sorry to see Sarge go, again he made me laugh because of his obvious humor. Wheels, well I think he gets a bad wrap. Personally I always listen to the radio when I can but if I had to watch a game I didn’t mind Wheels. Very knowledgeable about the game. But good luck to both in their new positions.
As for who I’d want to see I like Ricky Bo (one of my fave ex-Phils), Brad Lidge or Glanville.

It is clear that Comcast wants a color analyst who will do all 9 innings. Not so sure that is Ricky Bo who I like a lot. Mitch and Kruk won’t leave where they are . Sweet gigs. Brad Lidge? No experience. I don’t know. We will find out soon enough.

Sarge grew on me but I can live without him. Wheels knew baseball to be certain but it was time to move on. I always thought the Phils had too many announcers.

Anyway, let’s hope we are talking about the players doing well in 14 and not the announcers.

All those who sh#t on Wheels should be forced to listen to 95% of the local announcers out there. I live in VT and last year for some reason there where many games on Extra Innings that did have the Philly feed. Atlanta Arizona Miami San Diego to name a few that are just horrible. And to be a good color guy you don’t have to be an ex player. Saying that I would not mind seeing Mitch or Glainville

Sarge – Right guy in the wrong job
Wheels – Knowlegable but sometimes could not stop himself from repeating.
Glanville – I have heard his commentary and found it boring.
Kruk – Can’t do better
Williams – Maybe…
LA – Same as Williams
Ricky Bo – Possible but I fear he will be the same as the other reliever – they can’t go 9!
Lidge – Are you kidding me? No personality.
Plesac – Great but why leave MLB?

Some speculation that Comcast may now put pressure on the organization to replace Amaro if things keep going like they have been the past two years. It makes sense, Comcast wants ratings and ratings are usually tied to the success of the product on the field.

It’s sad to see Wheeler leave the booth. As someone here said earlier, he provided the “real information” compared to other Philly broadcasters. Also with his longetivy (37 years in the booth), he provided many stories and anecdotes that were enjoyable over the years.

Remember this, the Phillies no longer have the final say on choosing replacements; Comcast, with the new 25 year contract will. What that means, we could have a similar lighthearted and lightweight employee like Tom McCarthy of Comcast’s choice. Or someone ‘hyper” and a pompous loudmouth like one you would find in one of those ESPN or FOX shows.